3 reviews for Copenetro (Early Original) by Bob Kline
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Copenetro (Early Original) by Bob Kline
(c. 1947) (Submit Review) (Submit Update)If you are going to use Copenetro you’re best off with an original and early Kline versions like this. When you put them side to side you can tell the difference quite easily. The base is clearly, and deceptively, smaller in size especially the larger perimeter at the bottom. The top “flare” section of the base is beautifully turned with a nicer design than the later models. The “lip” at the top of the base where the inverted glass rest is larger causing a deeper recess to keep the glass more securely in place. BTW, the original glass is smaller and nicer designed than currently used; mine had a sort of lacy flowery etching around the the top half of the glass that lended a more graceful look to the apparatus. The mechanics are also clearly better and sturdier from what I can remember from the model I had owned. The rich cherry wood used in these original pieces is gorgeous. The coin stand is much better than the current version; it’s appears rather “compact” and more difficult to believe it can hide 4 half dollars.
In my teenager years I performed Jack Hughes’ Visible Coins to Glass, which doesn’t look as pretty but for my money worked flawlessly for many years. I found it easier to set and release than every version of Copenetro that I have tried. I also found the coin vanishing stand more deceptive in Jack Hughes’ version. But there is no doubt if you are collecting them this one will look better on your shelf.
Effect: Four coins are placed in a stand. An inverted tumbler is set over a small glass on a pedestal which is held in your hand. You drape a handkerchief over the glasses. A coin is removed from the stand, thrown, and is heard to fall into the glass, apparently having penetrated the handkerchief and the tumbler. This is repeated. The audience appears skeptical, so you remove the handkerchief and show the two coins in the glass. Another coin is removed from the stand, and this time with no covering over the glasses, is actually seen to have passed through the tumbler and fall into the small glass. The visible penetration is repeated with the fourth coin. If desired, the complete effect may be performed without covering the glasses.
There is no need for any manipulation since the clever apparatus does ALL the work.
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Approx. Price: $150.00 (2002) ***
Notice: I am not a dealer and this item is not for sale on this site. It maybe available in the links below or at our sister site: qualitymagic.com, but not from here so please do not ask.© Martin's Magic (unless otherwise stated). All Rights Reserved.
George Guerra –
You can’t top this one
2 days ago I received from Kenna Thompson an original Kline model made in the 1950’s and after some minor buffing and two applications of hand rubbed Carnauba wax, I became so excited with this piece. I owned years ago a “later” model but it doesn’t come close to the quality of the original. The base is clearly, and deceptively, smaller in size especially the larger perimeter at the bottom. The top “flare” section of the base is beautifully turned with a nicer design than the later models. The “lip” at the top of the base where the inverted glass rest is larger causing a deeper recess to keep the glass more securely in place. BTW, the original glass is smaller and nicer designed than currently used; mine had a sort of lacy flowery etching around the the top half of the glass that lended a more gracefull look to the apparatus. The mechanics are also clearly better and sturdier from what I can remember from the model I had owned. The rich cherry wood used in these original pieces is gorgeous. The coin stand is much better than the current version; it’s appears rather “compact” and more difficult to believe it can hide 4 half dollars.
I have always loved this effect and always pursued any versions of it. I promptly bought CW’s Silver Odyssey when it came out. Bottom line: if you ever get a chance to buy a true original Kline, the earlier the model the better, do so and you will not regret it.
Andy Martin –
The original is so good!
I used to have another version of Copenetro and liked it. However, this one – an original Bob Kline one – is so much better. The base is thinner and it seems impossible for anything, certainly not 4 coins to be hidden in there, so it makes for a more amazing illusion.
This has always been one of my favorite effects, and now with this outfit its a real fooler too!
Gary Michaels –
First of all — it’s called "Copenetro"
I owned an original of this Kline effect in 1974 and was stupid enough to sell it a few weeks later when I needed the money for God knows what. I was 19 so what’d I know?
Last year I married a woman whose family has close ties to Bob (and he’s seriously ill these days), so I was able to re-purchase another original.
I’d bought two different versions on EBay — one that the cantankerous Hank Lee is putting out (terribly inferior to Bob’s work — it has a square base) and one that closely resembles the original: John Mendoza quickly informed me that it was an Indian replica… again, before I re-attained the "real" one.
To be truthful, the mechanism of Kline’s original isn’t 100% effective (in fairness, these are between 25 and 50 years old and probably should be sitting on collectors’ shelves, as mine is). Using the tongue depressor to "rig" the trick can take 20 minutes or more and even then isn’t foolproof. Coins occasionally get stuck on the way "out."
A friend of mine, Chuck Rygle of PA, is (very slowly) manufacturing a perfect replica, but as he has no rights to sell it (that belongs in Lee’s scary domain, as his are trash), Chuck’s in a quandary.
But his has a push-button to load the coins which is exquisite. Too bad he can’t sell it as a reproduction under the Kline name.
Were Bob not in such failing health, I’ve little doubt that he’d recognize the very clear improvement and would easily grant Chuck approval… and you could buy this item and really appreciate its beauty.
~g